Search — Defs

01 v. t. To look over or through, for the purpose of finding something; to examine; to explore; as, to search the city.

imp. & p. p. Searched; p. pr. & vb. n. Searching

1.
To look over or through, for the purpose of finding something; to examine; to explore; as, to search the city.
“They are come to search the house.” — Shak.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” — Ps. cxxxix. 23.
2.
To inquire after; to look for; to seek.
“I will both search my sheep, and seek them out.” — Ezek. xxxiv. 11.

“Enough is left besides to search and know.” — Milton.
3.
To examine or explore by feeling with an instrument; to probe; as, to search a wound.
4.
To examine; to try; to put to the test.

Phrases & compounds

To search out — to seek till found; to find by seeking; as, to search out truth.

Syn. To explore; examine; scrutinize; seek; investigate; pry into; inquire.

02 v. i. To seek; to look for something; to make inquiry, exploration, or examination; to hunt.

1.
To seek; to look for something; to make inquiry, exploration, or examination; to hunt.
“Once more search with me.” — Shak.

“It sufficeth that they have once with care sifted the matter, and searched into all the particulars.” — Locke.

03 n. The act of seeking or looking for something; quest; inquiry; pursuit for finding something; examination.

1.
The act of seeking or looking for something; quest; inquiry; pursuit for finding something; examination.
“Thus the orb he roamed With narrow search, and with inspection deep Considered every creature.” — Milton.

“Nor did my search of liberty begin Till my black hairs were changed upon my chin.” — Dryden.

Phrases & compounds

Right of search — the right of the lawfully commissioned cruisers of belligerent nations to examine and search private merchant vessels on the high seas, for the enemy's property or for articles contraband of war.

Search warrant — a warrant legally issued, authorizing an examination or search of a house, or other place, for goods stolen, secreted, or concealed.

Syn. Scrutiny; examination; exploration; investigation; research; inquiry; quest; pursuit.